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Boeing Unveils 737 Max Software Fixes (cnbc.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the software-overhaul dept.

hcs_$reboot shares a report from CNBC: Boeing previewed its software fix, cockpit alerts and additional pilot training for its 737 Max planes on Wednesday, saying the changes improve the safety of the aircraft which has been involved in two deadly crashes since October. By the end of this week, Boeing plans to send the software updates and plan for enhanced pilot training to the FAA for certification approval. After the FAA approves the fix, Boeing said it will send the software update to customers. Among the notable changes to the MAX flight controls:
  • The plane's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, automated flight control system, will now receive data from both "angle of attack" sensors, instead of just one.
  • If those disagree by more than 5.5 degrees, the MCAS system will be disabled and will not push the nose of the plane lower.
  • Boeing will be adding an indicator to the flight control display so pilots are aware of when the angle of attack sensors disagree.
  • There will also be enhanced training required for all 737 pilots so they are more fully aware of how the MCAS system works and how to disable it if they encounter an issue.

3 of 249 comments (clear)

  1. Sensors are physical objects by Firethorn · · Score: 5, Informative

    Because the sensors are physical devices, and are this subject to all physical device problems. They can break, corrode, be bent by a physical impact, etc...

    They're regularly inspected, which is about the best you can do.

    --
    I don't read AC A human right
    1. Re:Sensors are physical objects by viperidaenz · · Score: 5, Informative

      No, it's intended to stop a stall from happening by automatically adjusting the stabilizer trim as the elevators don't have enough pitch authority to counteract the pitch-up caused by the more powerful engines.

      The system is intended to allow the plane to be certified without redesigning the elevators.

  2. Re:Encouraging news. Still nervous. by viperidaenz · · Score: 5, Informative

    The amount of pitch up with the newer more powerful engines got to a point where when the plane is already at a high angle of attack, the elevator don't have enough authority to counter act it. The entire rear stabilizer needs to be moved using the stabilizer trim.

    Other planes have larger elevators or less pitch-up under full thrust.